I had a glimpse that even though our God would love for more
daughters to experience the joy of these thin places–where Heaven and
Earth meet in the going and the trying—too few still are willing. For too many of us, the book is closed and packed away before it’s even opened. We won’t even consider the thought.

- The precious idea tucked away deep into your heart.

- The hope that feels more like wishful thinking.

- The possibility in the distance that makes your heart beat faster.

No room? No eyes to see possibility? No asking or seeking? Then, sadly, also no heart-thumping, bridge-jumping, earth-roaring miraculous finding...Let us be women with a yes on our hearts and a willingness to
camp for a while where the seemingly impossible meets our ready feet.

What dreams did I have that I didn't realize? What possibilities awaited? I've had such a good feeling about what this year would hold and it made me think beyond what I'd already envisioned. I couldn't shake those words so I tweeted Idelette. And then Kelley responded and I couldn't believe my eyes.

The invitation was real. Kelley followed up by email and I grew teary-eyed as I read. Not a normal response when I'm reading emails.

I needed to pray and there were logistics to work out but I'd already said yes in my heart.

Even though the family I work for had every right to tell me I couldn't have the time off, they are fully on board. I need only tell them the dates I'll be gone and they'll figure out the rest.

So here I sit, telling you I'm Africa-bound. I can scarcely believe it. Kelley and Idelette are putting together a team to go to Uganda and Burundi and I am on that team.

Come May 27, I'll be in Kampala, Uganda attending the Amahoro Africa Gathering. Kelley and her husband Claude started Amahoro Africa to provide a "place of mutual learning for African and non-African leaders involved
in innovative ministries that build disciple-making communities with an
emphasis on justice and mercy."

I'm telling you all this for a few reasons. First, because I have been swept up in wonder and awe over this Now-moment. What else lies ahead this 33rd year of my life?

Second, you are all such a big part of why this opportunity has fallen into my lap. I often brag about the community here. You are such rich encouragers and faithful readers. This support compels me to keep writing and to keep connecting with others. I never could have guessed at all that blogging would bring to my life and the relationships that have emerged are absolutely the best part.

Third, I'm responsible for paying for the trip. I would love it if you could be part of this process. I'm hoping for a nice fat tax return to help with plane tickets. The conference itself is $600, which includes meals and lodging. Might you consider helping me? Donating toward my conference costs is tax-deductible. And if you have any tips and tricks for cheap-ish plane tickets to Uganda, let me know!

To donate:

1. If you would like to give by check, make it out to Amahoro USA. Please attach my name to the gift. You can mail it to 108 West High Street Lexington, KY 40507

2. Or you can go to the Amahoro website and donate via Paypal (there
is a fee of about 2.25% of the donated amount or about $22.50 on every
$1000 etc.) There's no memo section to attach my name to the gift so please email info@amahoro-africa.org and let them know it's for me. Sorry for the extra step!

3. All gifts are tax-deductible and will be receipted at the beginning of 2014 (or sooner if requested/necessary)

There's no pressure to give. Part of me feels silly asking but I feel so strongly you all are involved in my send-off. I appreciate you so much no matter what. I'm looking forward to connecting and learning at the conference. I cannot wait to behold the first spray of water at the well dedication! Lives are going to change, perhaps mine most of all.

UPDATE: The itinerary is coming together! May 22 I'll leave Nashville and arrive in Kampala the evening of the 23rd. We'll meet with a few local organizations prior to the conference, including an orphanage and a minstry serving former prostitutes. The conference is May 27-31. From there we'll head to Burundi and the well dedication. June 4 I'll start the journey home.

Any questions about the trip? Let's have some fun with predictions. What else is in store for me this year?

I had a glimpse that even though our God would love for more
daughters to experience the joy of these thin places–where Heaven and
Earth meet in the going and the trying—too few still are willing. For too many of us, the book is closed and packed away before it’s even opened. We won’t even consider the thought.

- The precious idea tucked away deep into your heart.

- The hope that feels more like wishful thinking.

- The possibility in the distance that makes your heart beat faster.

No room? No eyes to see possibility? No asking or seeking? Then, sadly, also no heart-thumping, bridge-jumping, earth-roaring miraculous finding...Let us be women with a yes on our hearts and a willingness to
camp for a while where the seemingly impossible meets our ready feet.

What dreams did I have that I didn't realize? What possibilities awaited? I've had such a good feeling about what this year would hold and it made me think beyond what I'd already envisioned. I couldn't shake those words so I tweeted Idelette. And then Kelley responded and I couldn't believe my eyes.

The invitation was real. Kelley followed up by email and I grew teary-eyed as I read. Not a normal response when I'm reading emails.

I needed to pray and there were logistics to work out but I'd already said yes in my heart.

Even though the family I work for had every right to tell me I couldn't have the time off, they are fully on board. I need only tell them the dates I'll be gone and they'll figure out the rest.

So here I sit, telling you I'm Africa-bound. I can scarcely believe it. Kelley and Idelette are putting together a team to go to Uganda and Burundi and I am on that team.

Come May 27, I'll be in Kampala, Uganda attending the Amahoro Africa Gathering. Kelley and her husband Claude started Amahoro Africa to provide a "place of mutual learning for African and non-African leaders involved
in innovative ministries that build disciple-making communities with an
emphasis on justice and mercy."

I'm telling you all this for a few reasons. First, because I have been swept up in wonder and awe over this Now-moment. What else lies ahead this 33rd year of my life?

Second, you are all such a big part of why this opportunity has fallen into my lap. I often brag about the community here. You are such rich encouragers and faithful readers. This support compels me to keep writing and to keep connecting with others. I never could have guessed at all that blogging would bring to my life and the relationships that have emerged are absolutely the best part.

Third, I'm responsible for paying for the trip. I would love it if you could be part of this process. I'm hoping for a nice fat tax return to help with plane tickets. The conference itself is $600, which includes meals and lodging. Might you consider helping me? Donating toward my conference costs is tax-deductible. And if you have any tips and tricks for cheap-ish plane tickets to Uganda, let me know!

To donate:

1. If you would like to give by check, make it out to Amahoro USA. Please attach my name to the gift. You can mail it to 108 West High Street Lexington, KY 40507

2. Or you can go to the Amahoro website and donate via Paypal (there
is a fee of about 2.25% of the donated amount or about $22.50 on every
$1000 etc.) There's no memo section to attach my name to the gift so please email info@amahoro-africa.org and let them know it's for me. Sorry for the extra step!

3. All gifts are tax-deductible and will be receipted at the beginning of 2014 (or sooner if requested/necessary)

There's no pressure to give. Part of me feels silly asking but I feel so strongly you all are involved in my send-off. I appreciate you so much no matter what. I'm looking forward to connecting and learning at the conference. I cannot wait to behold the first spray of water at the well dedication! Lives are going to change, perhaps mine most of all.

UPDATE: The itinerary is coming together! May 22 I'll leave Nashville and arrive in Kampala the evening of the 23rd. We'll meet with a few local organizations prior to the conference, including an orphanage and a minstry serving former prostitutes. The conference is May 27-31. From there we'll head to Burundi and the well dedication. June 4 I'll start the journey home.

Any questions about the trip? Let's have some fun with predictions. What else is in store for me this year?

Disclosure

This blog contains sidebar advertising and some contextual affiliate links. If you click through an affiliate link and purchase an item I have featured, I may receive a commission on the sale. You would never pay more for for the product- the commission comes from the regular retail price. I only feature products I genuinely like or, let's face it, love. I'm all about hyperbole. If a post or giveaway is sponsored, it is noted in the actual post. I don't blog about everything I receive, but when I do my thoughts and opinions are always my own.